I know how important it is to ensure the health and wellbeing of your feathered friends. That’s why it’s crucial to address any issues that arise, including splay leg. If you’ve recently acquired a chicken with splay leg, you might be wondering what to do next. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience with […]
Category Archives: Chickens
If you’re a backyard chicken enthusiast looking for a new addition to your flock, you may want to consider the Amberlink breed. This hybrid chicken breed has gained popularity due to its outstanding egg-laying abilities and docile temperament. In this guide, we’ll delve into the history, physical characteristics, temperament, health care, egg production, and breeding […]
Chickens strutting through urban and suburban neighborhoods have become an increasingly common sight across the United States, including the great state of Illinois. As people seek more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyles, the trend of backyard chicken keeping has soared. No longer limited to rural areas, raising chickens has taken root in bustling cities and quiet […]
15
Jan
Jan
I’m always exploring different food options to keep my chicken happy and healthy. One question that often comes up in poultry discussions is whether chickens can safely consume raisins. In this article, I will delve into this topic and provide you with the facts and potential risks associated with feeding raisins to chickens. So, let’s […]
15
Jan
Jan
I have had my fair share of moments where I have observed my chickens shivering. I always wondered why this was happening and whether it was a cause for concern. After conducting some research, I discovered that there could be several reasons why chickens shiver, ranging from environmental factors to underlying health conditions. In this […]
When it comes to raising chickens, providing them with the right diet is essential for their health and well-being. While commercial feeds can provide adequate nutrition, many chicken owners prefer to supplement their birds’ diets with fresh greens. This is where choosing the right grass comes in – grasses can provide a range of nutritional […]
14
Jan
Jan
Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, but incubating eggs is a whole different ball game. As an experienced chicken owner, I thought I had a good handle on the incubation process. However, my latest batch of eggs has left me with some questions. Despite my careful monitoring of temperature and humidity, and culling eggs […]
If you’re looking to start your own backyard chicken flock or add to your existing one, you’re not alone – the demand for chicks has been steadily increasing in California and beyond. As more people seek to become self-sufficient and as organic and locally sourced food becomes increasingly popular, many individuals are turning to raising […]
Chickens, Poultry
Can a Rooster Protect Your Hens from Raccoon Attacks? Tips to Keep Your Chickens Safe.
13
Jan
Jan
I’ve often wondered whether my rooster can protect my hens from predators such as raccoons. Raccoons are notorious chicken predators and can easily kill and eat chickens. But can a rooster defend his hens against these crafty creatures? In this article, I’ll explore whether a rooster can keep a raccoon from killing a hen. Understanding […]
I understand the importance of providing my chickens with the right feed. After all, the quality of their diet can directly impact the quality of the eggs they lay. Recently, I’ve been considering switching to organic, corn-free, and soy-free chicken feed to meet the growing demand for healthier and more ethical products. However, I’m stuck […]
I understand the importance of knowing how many of my birds might not make it to maturity. When it comes to raising Jumbo Cornish Cross chickens, there seems to be a lot of uncertainty about how many of them will die during the raising process. In this article, I’ll explore some of the experiences of […]
Keeping chickens warm during cold weather is crucial to their survival and overall health. Chickens are naturally equipped to handle colder temperatures, but they do require some additional care and attention when the temperature drops below freezing. Failure to keep chickens warm can result in health problems, decreased egg production, and even death. During the […]
If you’re familiar with raising chickens, you might have heard of bantams. Bantam chickens are a smaller version of their standard chicken counterparts, coming in at about half the size. These little birds have been around for centuries and were originally bred in Asia as decorative birds to be kept in gardens or as pets. […]
11
Jan
Jan
I understand the anxiety that comes with unexpected situations. Recently, my power went out and my chicks were left in the cold. It was a nightmare, but with some quick thinking and a few helpful tips, I was able to keep my chicks warm and safe until the power came back on. In this article, […]
Chickens, Poultry
The Pros and Cons of Adding Diatomaceous Earth and Wood Ash to Your Chicken’s Dirt Bath Box.
11
Jan
Jan
To add diatomaceous earth (DE) and/or wood ash into a dirt bath box for chickens? This is an important question for chicken owners because dirt baths are essential for chickens to maintain their health and hygiene. In this article, I will explore the pros and cons of using diatomaceous earth and wood ash in a […]
It’s a question that has puzzled farm enthusiasts and poultry lovers for ages – can hens crow like roosters? While many may assume that all chickens have the ability to make the iconic cock-a-doodle-doo sound, the truth is much more complicated. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind crowing, why roosters do it, and […]
10
Jan
Jan
Eggs are among the most popular superfoods among all people, rich and poor. Highly delicious, eggs are the cheapest source of animal protein to man. They are also versatile. There are so many ways to prepare to meet your expectations. The yolk is the most nutritious part of the egg. It contains calories, fats, minerals, […]
The domestication of chickens goes back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Romans. Over time, these birds have been bred for specific purposes, such as meat or egg production, and different breeds were developed to suit these needs. In the 19th century, formal breeding programs began to emerge with the […]
08
Jan
Jan
I understand the frustration of discovering your chickens pecking their own eggs. It can be a confusing and worrying situation to be in, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it. In this article, I’ll explore some possible reasons why chickens peck their eggs and offer some tips on how to prevent it from happening. […]
Keeping chickens is a fun and rewarding experience that requires a lot of care and attention. As responsible chicken owners, it’s our responsibility to make sure that our feathered friends are getting the right nutrition they need to stay healthy. While many fruits, vegetables, and herbs are safe for chickens to eat, not all flowers […]
As a chicken owner, one of the most important aspects of caring for your flock is providing them with a safe and comfortable place to sleep. This is where chicken roosts come in. In this article, we will explore the different types of chicken roosts available and provide you with some creative ideas to help […]
It’s not uncommon to hear stories about roosters being aggressive towards humans or even other chickens. However, I have a different experience with my 11-week-old rooster who loves to be held and petted. This got me thinking, how common is it to have a friendly rooster? Is it just temporary or can roosters really be […]
I can totally relate to the feeling of being left out when it comes to naming your feathered friends. It seems like everyone on social media has these adorable names for their chickens, and here I am, just referring to them as “the black one” or “the white one.” But let me tell you, there’s […]
Are you a chicken owner who’s tired of dealing with messy and dirty water containers? If so, you’re not alone. The traditional blue and white chicken water container can quickly become contaminated with poop and bedding, making it a hassle to clean and maintain. But fear not, there are alternative water containers available that are […]
If you are planning to keep 50 chickens, you will need a coop that is large enough to accommodate them comfortably. In this article, I will share with you some of the best chicken coop plans for 50 chickens. Before we dive into the plans, it is important to note that the size of your […]
Raising chickens has become a popular hobby for many people, whether it be for their eggs, meat, or simply as pets. With so many different breeds to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. One breed that has gained a lot of attention in recent years is the […]
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating realm of these charming structures that provide a safe and comfortable habitat for our beloved feathery friends. Let us embark on a journey where we explore the definition and purpose of a chicken coop and unravel the myriad advantages of using cedar wood in their construction. […]
If you’re in the market for hardware cloth, you might be wondering where to find the best deals. As someone who has been through the process of purchasing hardware cloth myself, I can tell you that there are a variety of options available. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most […]
Are you wondering how much feed a meat bird needs to consume throughout their lifetime? Or perhaps you’re curious about the cost of feed per pound or kilogram? As someone who raises chickens, I can assure you that these are important questions to consider. Not only does the amount of feed impact the growth and […]
31
Dec
Dec
As a long-time chicken owner, I know how important it is to create a comfortable and safe living environment for your birds. One essential element of a chicken coop is a nesting box. Nesting boxes are where hens lay their eggs, so they need to be comfortable and inviting for your feathered friends. In this […]
31
Dec
Dec
Keeping chickens is a rewarding hobby that provides fresh eggs, entertainment, and the satisfaction of caring for a flock of animals. However, it is important to provide chickens with comfortable and safe nesting boxes to lay their eggs. Plastic nesting boxes for chickens are a popular option because they are durable, easy to clean, and […]
29
Dec
Dec
One of the most important things you can do is keep an eye on your flock’s poop. Yes, you read that right! Believe it or not, the color, consistency, and amount of chicken poop can give you valuable insights into their health and well-being. To help you interpret what you see in the coop, let’s […]
Living in Tennessee, we have the pleasure of enjoying relatively mild winters, but the chilly temperatures can still take a toll on our egg-laying hens. I understand the importance of finding the best breed of layer for the winter months to ensure a steady supply of eggs year-round. After extensive research and consulting with poultry […]
28
Dec
Dec
More people are becoming more concerned about how food is grown and handled. There is also the shift towards self-sufficiency with the aim of producing and preserving food. Raising backyard chickens is one of the many ways for those in urban areas to have some level of control over their food. But with so many […]
Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their safety and well-being. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional chicken farmer, your top priority should always be to protect them from predators, theft, and other potential dangers. After all, your chickens are vulnerable creatures that rely on […]
If you’re a chicken owner, you know that egg-laying is a critical aspect of raising healthy, happy birds. Fresh eggs are not only nutritious and delicious, but they can also provide an extra source of income if you sell them to others. However, many people believe that egg production is solely dependent on the breed […]
If you love chickens, you might be wondering if it’s possible to keep different breeds together. After all, there are so many beautiful and interesting breeds out there, and it seems like a waste to only have one kind in your coop. However, before you start mixing and matching, there are some important factors to […]
Incubating eggs is an exciting experience, especially for first-time breeders. Watching the eggs hatch and the chicks emerge is a fascinating process that requires utmost care and attention. However, it can be overwhelming when an unforeseen circumstance like a power outage occurs. This happened to me, and I found myself asking the question, “How long […]
26
Dec
Dec
One of the most important aspects of keeping your flock healthy is maintaining a clean and sanitary living environment. The coop where your chickens reside is their home, and just like any other living space, it requires regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and parasites. In this article, I’ll be discussing how […]
One of the important considerations when starting a flock is whether to get vaccinated chicks or not. Vaccination can help protect your flock from various diseases, including Marek’s disease, coccidiosis, and others. But the question arises, do all hatcheries vaccinate before they ship? In this article, I will discuss my personal experience with ordering chicks […]
23
Dec
Dec
In recent years, the commercial poultry industry has been exploring innovative strategies to improve the health, growth, and overall well-being of chickens. One such promising approach involves the inclusion of zeolite in chicken feed. Zeolite, specifically clinoptilolite zeolite, has gained attention for its remarkable benefits in promoting better growth, reducing disease incidence, strengthening flocks, enhancing […]
23
Dec
Dec
Roosters, those charismatic and feathery creatures, have long been an integral part of farm life. With their vibrant plumage and distinctive cock-a-doodle-doo, they symbolize the essence of rural living. These proud poultry guardians are not only iconic but also play a crucial role in the dynamics of a chicken flock. However, amidst their regal presence, […]
it’s not uncommon to encounter peculiar behaviors from our feathered friends. One such behavior that may leave you scratching your head is when your chickens refuse to sleep in their coop and instead roost on the roof. But why do they do this? In this article, we’ll explore some possible reasons behind this behavior. Highest […]
One of my biggest fears is avian flu. This contagious disease can affect not only my chickens but also other birds and even humans. In this article, I will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about avian flu in backyard chickens, including how it spreads, how to recognize it, and […]
If you’re someone who has owned chickens in the past, you might have an old coop lying around that’s taking up valuable space in your backyard. But what can you do with it? Well, fear not! In this article, we’ll explore different ways to repurpose your old chicken coop and transform it into something new […]
One of the most important aspects of providing a comfortable living space for my feathered friends is ensuring that their nesting boxes are suitable for their needs. However, a common question that arises when building or designing a chicken coop is whether nesting boxes need to be dark. In this article, I will explore this […]
Prepare to delve into the intriguing world of chicken egg shell colors, where each hue tells a unique story. From the timeless elegance of white to the earthy tones of brown, the enchanting blues and greens, and even the rare blush of pink, we are about to unravel the secrets hidden within nature’s vibrant palette. […]
21
Dec
Dec
Chickens do not like sleeping on the ground. Just like human beings who use raised beds, chickens need to sleep on raised bars. These elevated bars are known as roosts and come in all manner of shapes, sizes, and designs. Chickens prefer to relax and sleep on a roost at night because they feel safer […]
20
Dec
Dec
Chickens are prone to intestinal worms, parasites that live in the gastrointestinal system. Chickens pick up these worms if they eat contaminated feed. This is especially in a free-range setting where wild birds and animals leave their droppings. Since they will pick up the worms once in a while, it is prudent to deworm your […]
As a chicken owner, one of the most delightful and intriguing behaviors you may notice is your feathered friends following you around. It’s a fascinating phenomenon that can leave you wondering, “Why do my chickens follow me?” In this article, I will explore the reasons behind this behavior, shedding light on the various factors that […]